Pozzuoli Red is a natural earth containing clay tinted by iron oxide that gives an exceptionally warm orange-red hue. Our Pozzuoli red, like French ocher, contains about 20% iron oxide and is low in silica. Pozzuoli red is obtained from iron ore deposits near Pozzuoli, Italy.

Pozzuoli Red is a red iron oxide earth, which earths have been used as a pigment since prehistoric times and is perhaps the most widely used pigment for artists' paints.

Red ocher is a natural earth containing clay tinted by iron oxide and is composed of a naturally calcined form of hematite, and traces of gypsum (calcium sulfate) or calcite (calcium carbonate). Hematite is a mineral composed of iron oxide minerals (α-Fe2O3) that occur as natural earth. Depending upon the content of iron oxide and other minerals, the color of red ocher varies from deep red to brownish red. Red iron oxide minerals, such as hematite, are found around the world and have been used as pigments since prehistory.

Red ochers are among the most permanent colors among the artist's palette. It is compatible with all other pigments, and can be used with good results in all mediums.

Red ochers absorb a medium amount of oil, which may slow the drying of oil paint, but because iron oxide is a drier in oil, it dries fast and forms an excellent film.

Red ochers are not considered toxic, but care should be used in handling the dry powder pigment to avoid inhaling the dust.

Pigment: Pozzuoli Red